How much of an improvement is XT8 over the XT6?

[garay002]

I was looking at the Skyquest telescopes made by Orion...and these two caught my eye. I have always wanted a telescope, and now that I have the funds I finally get to have one of my own. Anyway, how much better is the Skyquest XT8 over the XT6? Can I see things much clearer with the XT8 and other objects that can't be seen with the XT6? Or should I go with the XT6 and get myself some accessories with it(like different lense and a carrying bag)? Don't know much about telescopes, but I want one that will last me a long time, because after this purchase, I probably won't have enough money/interest to buy a better one. Any help/advice is appreciated <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> .

 

[tfwthom]

1st read the post "So You Want to Buy a Telescope" http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=askastronomer&Number=595&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=<br /><br />"....the owner of an 10" Schmidt-Cassegrain who decides to upgrade to a 12" will see a 44% increase in light-gathering ability. Not bad for a 2" increase, eh? So, you should buy the biggest telescope you can afford, right? The answer, is an unqualified MAYBE, and for some people, the answer will be NO. But we're getting ahead of ourselves....." <br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>

 

[nevers]

Hi garay -<br /><br /><font color="yellow">"after this purchase, I probably won't have enough money/interest to buy a better one."</font><br /><br />On that statement alone I'd go with the XT8. You won't need all kinds of accessories - maybe a 2x barlow lense, a DeepMap 600 Star Chart and a red dot finder. Oh, and some kind of stool to sit on - These sized Dobsonians are hard on your back. An old cruddy office chair works fine. Keep the box the 'scope comes in - it will protect your 'scope way better then any bag. Plus, it comes it handy as a makeshift field desk! You won't see things "clearer", you'll see more detail in the objects you look at with the XT8 vs the XT6. You'll be less apt to lose interest. Of course with bigger aperture there are objects you'll be able to see with the 8" that the 6" won't be able to detect. Hope that helps somewhat...keep us posted.

 

[bbrock]

Garay002<br /><br />In this case, you should go with the 8". Always go for the largest aperture you can afford. The 8" will deliver 78% greater light grasp then the 6". If you buy the 6" now you will always wish you baught the 8". As far as accessories go, you will always need more accessories. But at least you will have a great telescope. <br /><br />Keep in mind that the light grasp is only part of the reason. The 8" translates into greater resolution, it also translates into higher magnification of lunar and planatary observation. For deep sky it means the difference between resolving stars in some globular clusters vs. fussy balls and brighter deep sky observation. You will always be glad you went with the larger aperture. If you go with the 6", you will be buying a 8" or 10" in two or three years. <br /><br />Clear Skies<br />Bill

 

[thalion]

I'm going to sound a note of caution--please keep portability in mind. The XT8 will weigh more than the XT6, and if you're planning to carry or drive it some distance on a regular occasion you'll definitely want less of a hassle. If you have a backyard or good porch, though, I wouldn't worry too much about it.<br /><br />For the record, I myself am strongly considering an XT 6.